Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-10-30
The RnYnI STATE Coach.

The announcement that her MGiesty,
on the opening Of Parliament, would
90 to the houses only IN seml-state,
rs has been her custom since the death
of the Prince Consort," is somewhat
misleading. The fret is that on the
two occasions on which her Majesty
las performed this function since the
death of the Prince scarcely any diff
ference was perceptible except the sub
sttution for the state coach of amOdern
dress but somewhat ornate one, and
the appearance Of her Mejesoy in the
sombre garments of vidOwhood in
stead Of the regalia in which she was
wont to attend the ceremonial pre-
yiously. II WAS we'll known in court
circles before the demise II the late
Prince Consort that the Queen repea. ID
" refused to use the old state coach,
Ler dislike dating from tse time OF her
accession. and it was button rare Occa-
eions that she could be induced To- con-
seat to do so, the opening OF Parlic
ment being almost the sole exception.
Whatever llay Rave been the cause of
her Majesty's dislike, there is no doubt
that this coach is Que Of the grandest
in existence, though not exactly suit
able FOR the present day. 1t was
finished in 1861, about four years after
the first Lord Mayors coach made its
appearance in the procession OF
SIR Charles Asgil, Lord Mayor
elect. The designs were by Sir
William Chambers, and the paiut-
ings on it were executed by Ciprani.
It's length is "a feet tits s feet inches
wide ; has o height of II feet, and is OF
the enormous weight OF four tons.
he whole of the body is richly orna-
mented with laurel and carved work,
heavily gilt IL is composed Of eight
palm trees, which, branching ont at the
top, sustain the Roof, and four angular
trees are loaded with trophies sllus!ye
o. the victories of Great Britain
over the French. 1nese are supported
by four lions head. On tire centre OF
the roof stands three boys, represent
ing the genii Of England. Scotland, and
Ilelend, supporting the Imperial Crown
Of Great Britain, and holding IN their
hands the sceptre, sword OF State, and
ensigns of knighthood, their bodies
being adorned with festOons OF laurel,
hich fall towards the four corners.
he panels and doors are richly llmned
with emblematical devices, the Innings
being Of scarlet velvet, embossed with
national emblems.
The whole body OF the carriage Is
supported by four braces covered with
red morocco leather with gilt buckles,
which are held by as many large IrI-
tons. two in front and two at the back
OF the carriage. Those place In 'front.'
support the driver, and are represented
rs in the action of drawing by cables
extending round their shoulders, with
cranes and sOunding-shells to announce
the approach of the Monarch oil the
Ocean. The TritoDs behind carry the
imperial iasces, topped with trldents-
The drivers footbOard is a large seal
lop shell. C.namented with lunches OF
reeds and marine plants. The pole,
which is twelve fee. long, represents
bundle of lances, while q rich mould
ing issuing from voluted she'l forms
II e splinter bar, each end OF which ter
inmates in the head Of dolphin. Inc
wheels are an imitation of those OF the
ancient triumphal chariot. Ii will thus
be seen thai the carriage is o very un-
wieldy one, and, as matter Ga fact
the comfort in riding not nearly so
great as that to be found in modern
built vehicles of very inferior kind.
Previous to the death OF the late Prince
Consort designs for new state coach
in harmony with tho times, and OF
BETTING magniticence, occupied u
large shere of the ettention of her
Majesty, bat that sad event deferred
indefinitely any further thought of the
matter.